Geometry in art is older than recorded history. One might suppose that pre-historic humanity derived a sense for the importance of considering shape, size, relative position of figures, and the properties of space by observing the stars, planning and arranging shelters, decorating their own skin, creating vessels to carry food and water, and infusing their magical understanding of the order of the Universe into talismans that could carry it from person to person, and preserve it forward in time.

So it is that our civilization has been shaped by these primal relationships to formal order. Geometry in art is just one tip of a multifaceted iceberg. Whether it be the underlying compositional plan (or subliminal psychological program, if you will) of a narrative religious painting, an architectural motif of some vast Middle Eastern mosque, a scientist-artist's analysis of human proportions, or some optically tantalizing modern painting's pattern, geometry wends its way through our visual culture. Manifest set out to produce this exhibit to discover how geometry shows up in the art of today. So we offered an invitation to artists from around the world to submit for jury consideration work which is heavily influenced by, or is in some way about, geometry.

For this exhibit 107 artists submitted 331 works from 25 states, Washington D.C., and 7 countries including Canada, England, Ireland, Japan, Portugal, Scotland, and the United States. Eleven works by the following 11 artists from 8 states were selected by a blind jury process for presentation in the gallery and inclusion in the Manifest Exhibition Annual publication.

Simulations

August 5 - 26, 2017

Simulations is a group exhibition that interrogates the position of abstraction in contemporary sculpture. The five featured artists are working in new abstract approaches to formal and textural sculpture through investigation of form, appropriation, raw materiality, systemic structures, and allegory. These artists are interested in exploring the theme of post-minimalist abstract technique in the contemporary era, and discovering how it can create relevant trajectories. While replication and object-based appropriation have heavily influenced the direction of three-dimensional art in a positive way, abstraction in some ways has seemed de-emphasized, been called something else, or has merged itself into a craft sentimentality. The interpretation of contemporary abstract sculpture in Simulations, while possibly being categorized in different sub-genres, utilizes the inherent ideas and methods of previous abstract methodologies. This artists in this exhibition intent to demonstrate various motives that drive non-representational sculptors in today’s visual culture.

Simulations showcases previously and newly made work by Robert Aiosa, Gabe Strader-Brown, Suzanne Torres, Elizabeth Thorp, and Christopher Rowley. The objects in this exhibition derive from subconscious formulation and re-envisioning of outside sources, rather than relying heavily on found objects, simulacra, or modification. Work will be displayed on the gallery floor, on platforms, and mounted to the wall. Sculptures are constructed from wood, metal, plaster, clay, fibers, and concrete. Simulations intersperses the participating artists’ pieces throughout the gallery, creating a conversation among works, and highlighting their similarities and differences.

FORGE

June 10 - 17, 2017

Forge is an art exhibition featuring the work of over a dozen Madison-area artists, who will create installations inspired by the history of the Madison Brass Works building (214 Waubesa. Madison WI), its workers, and the elements involved in the transfigurations that took place on this site. It will speak to the continuation of this space’s important role in our community, in it’s new form. The event will support support the expansion of the Goodman Community Center.

“So many people are curious about the building. We’re [excited] for everyone to come and see the building in its raw, industrial state before construction starts in July,” said Becky Steinhoff, Executive Director of the Goodman Community Center, “There will be lots to capture your imagination — art, history and all the possibilities our new building holds for our community.”

Ellen Carlson and Erika Monroe-Kane, are engaged with the local arts community and are experienced event organizers who are organizing and curating this exhibition, to support the Goodman Community Center.

Everyday Matters

April 18 - May 18

Mark your calendars and join us for the artist talk and opening reception of Gabe Strader-Brown. Gabe Strader-Brown, will give an artist talk on Wednesday, April 26 from 3-4 p.m. in Spartan Auditorium, building G, G100 at ECC’s Main Campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Sculptural works, Everyday Matters, is on view in Safety-Kleen Gallery One, building H , H100 from Tuesday, April 18 to Thursday, May 18, 2017. Gallery hours are M/W 10am – 5pm, Tu/Th 10am – 7pm, and F-Su by appointment. An opening reception for the exhibit will be held on Wednesday, April 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Safety-Kleen Gallery. All events are free and open to the public.

Untitled 13

February 11 - March 25, 20017

Untitled 13 marks the thirteenth year of SooVAC’s juried exhibition series. Untitled provides opportunities for artists working in any medium and at any stage of their career, resulting in a survey of varied perspectives and provocative work. Each year SooVAC invites guest jurors to select the work, this year it was Dean Otto and Astria Suparak. Every juror provides a unique aesthetic and curatorial viewpoint, giving the public an opportunity to view fresh artistic voices with every new installment of Untitled.

This year’s exhibition will feature work of 16 artists from many disciplines, compelling materials and thought provoking concepts-ranging from a sculpted replica of Abraham Lincoln Funeral car covered in the dirt dug from the site where the Abraham Lincoln Funeral car burned in 1911 and is buried, (corner of Quincy and 37th Ave, Columbia Heights, MN) to a found apartment door from a search warrant executed in July of 2008.